Luiz Augusto, Laval dos Santos Interview

Renderwow - 8/24/18 13:40

1. What 3D modelling programs do you use?

Sketchup, Revit, 3ds Max.

2. Is there a program you prefer above everything else?

I started with sketchup because was the easiest tool to use. It was a good experience and I’m still using it because my creating process needs an easy/fast/ modeling tool. Since October 2017, I moved to 3ds Max, so comparing both programs I do believe 3ds Max is a very good tool for those who already understand something about modeling and needs a fine tool (without a bugsplat).

3. What rendering software do you use, and why?

I use V-ray because you can change a lot of settings and make it work fast -- doesn’t matter your PC setup. I’ve tried to work with Corona few months ago, it’s wonderful and easy but demands too much of your computer.

4. Through your years what was your most memorable project?

I really like one of my facade renderings. It’s a residential building (nothing fancy). It was one of my first renders for a new client. He told me that everybody liked my images, so I believe I did a good job.

5. Where do you see yourself 5 years from now in this industry?

I’m enthusiastic about archviz and modeling, but I’m also a Civil Engineer and have my own bureau of projects. So I really hope I can continue to do my images and my projects.

6. Any tips you can offer to artists out there that can help them in this industry?

First: be good in a software, doesn’t matter if it's Sketchup, Maya, Rhino, 3ds… just be good in one of them (or all), learn how to model everything.

Second: learn a rendering tool (v-ray, corona, F-storm…). Find one that fits your work line and dominate it. If a client asks you to create a golden shine glass, a cloth curtain or a cup of milk, you must know how to do it.

Third: Create a good portfolio. You guys might say “I’m not a creative person, architect, blah,blah,blah..” doesn’t matter, google/pinterest/archdayli are meant to offer you hundreds of thousands of creative content images so look around, pick few ideas (don't plagiarize) and ‘voilà’ you have your own ‘Swiss Alps Kitchen’.

Fourth: share your work. People around you might know people, that know people who know people, that might need your services. Also, seek a group in 3d world (facebook have a lot of them) and share you work, help others 3d artists, create a friendship circle, they might be helpful to you sometime.

7. Is there anything you would do differently in the past that would help the way you design now?

No, I guess that everything that I did in the past was necessary to be where I am now.

8. What is your favorite place to get your textures from?

Cgtextures, sketchuptextureclub… and of course google images.

9. Have you got inspiration from other artists? If so, who?

I get inspiration from many Brazilian architects that I follow on Instagram. It's a great tool to get daily doses of inspiration. I also follow pages that share others architects contents, rendering tips, furniture companies and decoration.

From Archviz world I can remember names like Ivan Parra (it’s a very talented guy) and Lucas Rodrigues.

10. What forums and websites do you go to the most for tips, tutorials, etc? Or what do you recommend for everyone?

Cgtricks it’s a very good source of content, tutorial, models. For sketchup, when i was learning I found a very good content on youtube channels: 'mastertuts' and 'chadhoud cursos'.